NYSUT was successful in delaying enactment of Tier 5 legislation for almost a full year and was the last major union standing tall when the final deal was passed. As a result, an entire class of NYSUT members was able to enter public service this year under the Tier 4 plan. While the new Tier 5 plan has some relatively significant changes for future members, NYSUT was successful in maintaining the integrity of the defined benefit plan that can be counted on by all members, current and future - for example, continuation of a permanent COLA benefit for all future retirees.

The Tier 5 pension plan will apply to future public employees in the state Teachers' Retirement System and Employees' Retirement System. The New York City retirement system also is instituting a new program.

Details vary by system and reflect different combinations of contributions and length of service, geared to the trends/preferences of each unit.

For state TRS, the minimum retirement age for employees hired after Jan. 1, 2010, will be 57, with 30 years of service without penalty. Members will be vested in the pension system after 10 years of service (up from 5) and will contribute a lifetime 3.5 percent to their pensions (current members contribute 3 percent for 10 years.) They will receive the 2 percent final average salary calculation at 25 years (up from 20).